Roncesvalles y el Camino Francés
Roncesvalles and the French Way
The Camino de Santiago is a unique and enriching experience; everyone should live this beautiful adventure. It is a blend of nature, personal introspection, and cultural connection—a magical journey that captivates us every step of the way...
There are numerous routes and hundreds of options to undertake it. In this case, we choose the French Way from Roncesvalles.
It is currently the most traveled and frequented route.
A Bit of History
The French Way is the result of the four major Jacobean routes that cross France from the north, center, and south. Three of them—the ones starting in Paris (Via Turonensis), Vézelay (Via Lemovicensis), and Le Puy (Via Podiensis)—enter Spain through Roncesvalles after crossing the Pyrenees. The fourth route, the Via Tolosana, originating historically in Arles, enters through Somport and heads towards Jaca in Aragón. All these routes converge in Obanos and Puente la Reina, Navarra, where they cross the Arga River via its historic Romanesque bridge, as described in Book V of the Codex Calixtinus.
We Pause at the Village of Roncesvalles
An ancient village in the Navarrese Pyrenees, chosen by pilgrims to begin the Camino de Santiago in Spain. A natural pass in the Pyrenees, it was the site of the Battle of Roncesvalles (778), one of the most painful defeats of Charlemagne’s Frankish army.
Upon entering the village, its medieval artistic and monumental ensemble catches the eye, including the Collegiate Church, the tomb of King Sancho VII, the Fort, and the old pilgrims' hospital.
Collegiate Church of Santa María de Roncesvalles
The majestic Collegiate Church in French Gothic style is the most significant monument. It was the former hospital for pilgrims. Its altar holds the image of Santa María de Roncesvalles, adorned in silver. Legend has it that it appeared miraculously due to the nocturnal announcement of a stag with two stars shining on its antlers.
Here, the first act of the pilgrimage takes place every evening during the Pilgrim's Mass. The prior of the Royal Collegiate Church invites attending pilgrims to rise from their seats and stand before the altar to receive the Pilgrim's Blessing.
The Chapel of San Agustín houses the tomb of King Sancho VII the Strong. Note the maces and chains displayed at the head of the tomb, which, according to legend, the king took from the Moor Miramamolín during the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212). This event is also depicted in the church’s stained glass windows and is part of Navarra's coat of arms.
The Chapel of Sancti Spiritus, or Charlemagne’s Crypt (12th century), is Romanesque in style. It is the oldest building, situated over a crypt with a barrel-vaulted roof, where legend has it that Roland drove his sword after his defeat.
After the monumental visit, let yourself be enveloped by the tranquility of the expansive beech forests along some of the area's trails, such as the Basajaunberro Forest Trail (3.9 km), the Canons' Trail, or the beautiful 1.6 km circular path that returns via the Camino de Santiago.
Every kilometer of the Camino has its own magic. Each stage has its own history, secrets, and curiosities, but some stand out above the rest.
Discover it!
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